WiSPER LOUD

Join the Women in Seed Production Network in a conversation with Jacqueline Benson McRoberts. Jacqueline joins us from the Vegetable R&D organization where she currently serves as the Head of Data Stewardship and Digital Enablement. She shares with us her childhood that was full of travel, while supporting her father’s time in the military. Health and wellness were instilled in Jaci at a young...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network for another installment of our A Day in the Life Series! In this episode we talk to 4 individuals from across our seed production sites. The group joining us in this episode has a focus on field and plant operations. Listen as we discuss the challenges they face, what they love about their careers, and the things they do every day to help keep seed product...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network in a conversation with Lindsey Battle. Lindsey spent the first half of her career with a people focus in human resources. Currently, she leads new product launches and special projects for cotton and sugar beets. Lindsey has a passion for people and championing their success. She has been involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives since she started he...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network for Part 2 of our A Day in the Life Series! In this episode we continue our conversations with 3 more individuals from across our seed production sites. Listen as we discuss the challenges they face, what they love about their careers, and the things they do every day to help keep seed production sites running smoothly. Join us as we talk to Mark Witt abou...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we talk to 3 different individuals from across our seed production sites about a day in their lives. Listen as we discuss the challenges they face, what they love about their jobs, and the things they do every day to help keep seed production sites running smoothly. Join us as we talk to Lexie Howe about how she helps mitigate downtime by using automati...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we talk about parenthood and how to balance this role at and away from work. Our guest, Austin Thiel, brings a thoughtful perspective on how to be intentional with your time and being thankful for the ones closest to you. In this conversation, Austin gives us various angles and types of interactions he’s experienced as it relates to working and family....

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we talk all things mental health with our special guest Carrin Carlson. Carrin has a diverse background in plant breeding and genetics, leading manufacturing operations, mentoring many different folks in all stages of life, all while supporting different BRGs and advocating for inclusion and diversity. In this episode, Carrin shares her journey with men...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we talk with Lisa Gaines, Strategic Finance Business Partner. In this role Lisa is responsible for enabling new business models through the creation and analysis of business cases, monitoring of business and financial risks, and implementation of financial processes. Today she is shedding some light on the seed industry, giving us a financial perspectiv...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we connect with Karen Williams, Transformation DSO Coach. Karen has over 16 years of experience in the industry across Crop Protection, Vegetable Seed, and Row Crop Production. She has a strong passion for creating opportunities for underrepresented talent as she often finds herself being in the minority in the room. She served on the Boys and Girls Clu...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview special guest, Silvia Malaman, Silvia serves as a member of the Crop Science Product Supply Leadership Team. Based out of US, Silvia is responsible for facilitating the Strategy process from conception to deployment, engaging the organization towards the Product Supply Vision.  In this episode we explore Silvia’s journey to the US, staying...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview one of the creative minds behind this podcast! Our guest, Chelsea Hagan, is currently a North America Management Systems Manager within a Seed Production space but has a non-agricultural education. This chat is anchored in risk-taking, confidence, and growing a support system that allows you to reach your goals despite not having the obviou...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Jarrett Kessel, an Operational Excellence Specialist. Jarrett’s current role is heavily focused on facilitator development, teamwork, and cultural transformation; however, his unique background has led him to a wide range of experiences, making him the perfect person to discuss change. Throughout this episode, you will hear about how Jarret...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview a familiar voice! In this episode, we chat with Abby Repp, a Global Project Lead for the Seed Production Innovation’s Data Science and Solutions team and one of the creators of the WiSPER Loud Podcast. We catch up with Abby on various transitions she’s gone through recently; from the addition of a new little one in her family, to the creati...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Drew Yingling, Site Lead at a commercial soybean manufacturing facility in central Illinois. Drew shares with us his leadership philosophy as he paints a vivid picture of how he builds a positive culture, through the analogy of building a house. A house built on a foundation of respect with the walls and roof held up by trust. Creating busi...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Denise Vitola, Vice President of Brand Integration PR, Social, and Influencer for Bayer Consumer Health. In this episode, we explore being vulnerable, staying true to yourself, and finding your passion. Denise brings breadth of experience to the table that will undoubtedly leave you with the drive to champion those ideas you’ve not yet expl...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we connect with Emily Elliot and Krista Koranda, founding members of the WiSP Business Resource Group.   In this episode we discuss the origins of the network, including the challenges faced by women in seed production. Krista and Emily discuss their own unique paths and learnings along the journey, encouraging us all to build up the people beside us an...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we connect with Hannah Neuenschwander, Brand Service Lead, as she shares her tips and experience with stepping into the unknown and answering the call for adventure. Hannah unpacks her tools for pushing the boundaries of what you think you are capable of and finding your fire. She reminds us to own our journey by leveraging those around us to see what w...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Jim Dowling, Western Regional Field Lead, for advice on leading with trust and demonstrating vulnerability. In this episode, we dive into learning from failures and moving forward while also gaining self-awareness along the journey.  As an ally, Jim leans into our questions and explores the importance of building relationships to help accom...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Gwyn Schramm, Head of North America Human Resources. In this episode, we explore a variety of topics with Gwyn -- from challenges and trends in the agriculture industry, the value proposition for diversity, equity, and inclusion to the importance of being a continual learner, building your influencing skills, and intentionally focusing on y...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Sarah Gillam, North America Soybean Western Manufacturing Director. In this episode Sarah shares great insights from her nearly 15-year career, specifically, how she has dealt with overcoming adversity while still gaining credibility with those she leads through different business functions. Also, Sarah gives our listeners a sneak peek into...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Megan Chittick, North America Product Quality Specialist.  In this episode Megan shares great insights from her nearly 20-year career, specifically how she has built her credibility and advice for establishing yourself in new teams and organization.  She talks through the importance of always showing up, leaning into your strength...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Becca Waller, Regional Business Lead for Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.  Becca shares perspectives on career paths and moves -- from championing your own work, maintaining, and activating your 'hype team,' and reflecting on your accomplishments and motivations as you make these decisions.  She also provides insights on the...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Anna Jahnsen, North America Product Supply Operational Excellence Lead.  In this episode Anna draws from her experiences and learnings from implementing a lean manufacturing production system and how that has influenced her mindset and approach to servant leadership.  Anna discusses her approach to developing others to gain confid...

Join the Women In Seed Production Network as we interview Keith Merill, Plant Biotechnology Disease Projects Lead.  Keith is an innovative scientist and enjoys working to try and sustainably feed a growing world through advances in plant breeding, genetics, and biotechnology.  As a successful scientist, husband, and father of two he is also very passionate about allyship and advocacy. &n...

Join the Women in Seed Production Network as we interview Kate McQueen, Global Head of Seed Production Innovation Science and Engineering.  Kate has had an extensive career across many different organizations including Manufacturing, Research and Development, Biotech & Chemistry, Regulatory Compliance and IT! Her immense leadership skillset has allowed her to mold many teams into successf...